Young Art Oxford chairwoman Belinda Hanson: “It was very difficult for the judges who had to chose.

“We are also very proud of the mix of state school pupils and public school pupils this year, which has been great. The theme has inspired some amazing artwork. We have had birds, flowers and lots of landscapes too.

“There was one picture of a penguin diving into the water, which is stunning. The exhibition is very energetic and we can’t wait for the children to come along and see it with their friends and parents.

“Kids who do well academically or in sports tend to get a lot of recognition in school, but creative ones don’t always get very much.

“So I hope this gives them more confidence to carry on making art.”

A first, second and third prize will be awarded in each of the three categories, which include ages three to four, five to six and seven to nine.

Winners will have their art framed by Covered Market company Covered Arts & Framing Services and will be given art materials, as well as books donated by Oxford University Press.

Each child has paid one pound to enter and paintings will be on sale for a donation.

Money raised will be given to Cancer Research UK and spent on research into childhood cancers.

The event first started seven years ago and has raised £42,000 in total for the cause since then.

A private viewing for the winners will take place on Tuesday, May 6, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. The exhibition will take place in the Beaumont Street museum on May 6, 7 and 8.

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here